Your Complete Guide To Assam: Culture, Tradition & Shopping

Take a tour of the most enchanting place in India that is dotted with gorgeous hills, serene rivers, green tea gardens, lush forests, and centuries-old precious monuments.

The easternmost state of the Indian subcontinent is full of culture, diversity, and tradition, and it is well reflected through the festivals of the diverse tribes throughout the year. The perfect fusion of ancient heritage and rich splendor of the native tribes' beliefs and culture has made the state of Assam home to a long procession of kaleidoscopic festivals that are full of passion, thrill, fascination, and reflection of true secularism.

The Culture of Assam

The state is home to many different tribes with their unique culture, religious beliefs, language, way of life, tradition, rituals, food, songs, and festivals like Bihu, Baikho, Baishagu, Rongker & Chomangkan Festival, Ambubachi Mela, Bishu, Me-Dum-Me-Phi, Ali-Aye-Ligang, etc. The specific motive behind the festivities of these Assamese festivals is to facilitate the feeling of togetherness which is characteristic of the essence of its culture.

Let's dive right into it and explore its beauty through its cultural heritage of festivals and art.

Bihu: The Pride Of Assam

Among the many festivals of Assam, 'Bihu' is one such agricultural festival, which is the pride here. Assamese people celebrate three types of Bihu festivals following the season. It is the amalgamation of two words: 'Bi' meaning 'to ask' and 'shu' meaning 'peace'. Completely justifying the name, it is celebrated by the people of all tribes.

Bohaag Bihu (mid-April)

The Bohaag Bihu or the Rongaali Bihu marks the beginning of a new year and the agricultural season. It represents the beginning of life as farmers prepare their lands for cultivation and sow the seeds. The cattle are revered and given special attention, care, and new ropes during the week-long festival. People exchange gifts like Gamochas (scarves), sing, dance, enjoy delicious dishes, worship the cattle, and play Dhols (Indian drums) and Pepa (Buffalo hornpipe). The women folk adorn themselves in their local traditional attire- the Mekhala Chador and the men wear traditional Gamocha and Dhoti.

Kaati Bihu (mid-October)

After the merriments of Bohaag Bihu in April comes the joyous Kaati Bihu festival, also known as Kongaali Bihu. The agricultural process requires the cutting of paddies that were sown in April. Hence, during this festival, when the new grains start growing, insects try to destroy the crops, so, to protect them, they are transplanted. The festivities also include praying to God for a good harvest, planting a basil plant, and lighting a lamp.

Maagh (mid-January)

Finally, when it is the time to harvest the crops that were sown in April, the people of Assam celebrate Maagh Bihu or Bhogaali Bihu extravagantly. At this time, people witness the fruits of their arduous labor in the form of lush, full-grown crops of sesame, rice, coconut, sugarcane, etc. It is the time to celebrate their endeavors throughout the year. Many delicious food and drinks are served, and on the eve of the festival, a temporary lofty shelter of hay is constructed to symbolize a temple. It is ceremoniously lit the following day and follows many sports the whole day.

Other Prominent Festivals

Dehing Patkai and Me-Dam-Me Phi are other prominent festivals celebrated in January to spread awareness about the environment. Dehing Patkai proudly exhibits fairs, tea heritage visits, golf, wildlife excursions, adventure games, and down lane trips to Second World War cemeteries to Stillwell Road.

The longest ruling Ahom dynasty comes from Assam, and the Me-Dam-Me Phi festival is based on the concept of ancestor worship by the Ahoms. It is when people commemorate the departed ancestors and pay homage to them through processions, feasts, dances, and songs of their glory. 'Me' means offerings, 'Dam' means ancestors, and 'Phi' means gods. So the word 'Me Dam Me Phi' means offerings made to the ancestors and the gods.

Assam Shopping List

This beautiful state has so much more to offer than just the festivals and natural beauty. It is the producer of traditional handloom silk called pat silk and Muga, unique bamboo products, refreshing tea, wooden statues, singing bowls, and much more.

1. Assam Tea Leaves

The Assamese tea needs to introduction. Its aroma has enchanted the whole world. Don't deprive yourself of the intense taste of this incredible tea that grows on the plains. Buy the best quality Assam Tea, which is intense, full-bodied, and has a robust flavor.

2. Mekhela Chador

Whether luxury bedsheets or glamorous red carpet dresses, Assam silk prevails over all other clothing materials in making high-end products. It is the most shopped commodity on our list. For women, traditional Muga silk Assamese attire called Makhela Chador is widely sold in the local markets.

3. Singing Bowls

Have you heard a harmonious sound produced by a brass bowl in the hands of a Buddhist monk? If you have, you know how much it relaxes the turmoil in our minds and imparts us with a serene calmness.

4. Hand Made Wooden Statues

Any art lover would be glad to get his hands on traditional handmade wooden statues from Assam. The skilled artisans put in a lot of hard work and time crafting a unique and stunning piece. Figures of Gods, Goddesses, mythological creatures, birds, and animals are widely sold in the state.

5. Jaapi

When in Assam, do as the Assamese do! Don't forget your Jaapi or a traditional handmade Assamese hat. It is offered as a sign of admiration to elders or respected people. Hang it on your wall to welcome guests to the Assamese culture.

6. Wooden Rhino Statue

A one-horned rhinoceros is synonymous with Assam. As Assam has skilled wood craftsmen, the Rhino statues are usually made of wood or bamboo and sold in bulk to the tourists. These small showpieces are ideal for home/office decoration, gifts, and congratulation.

7. Assamese Traditional Jewelry

As old as the Assamese culture is, the traditional Assamese jewelry also dates back several centuries. The design and make of these stunning pieces are unique and ancient. Most of them are handmade by skilled craftsmen with red gemstones, ruby, or Mina.

8. Phulam Gamocha

The Gamocha is known by many other names like Gamosa, towel, or Gamusa. It is an item of great importance for the people of Assam and is offered to someone they respect. It is a white rectangular piece of cloth with a red border on three sides and red woven motifs on the fourth.